Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Act in 1968 with the goal of protecting the free flowing conditions of rivers in the United States. When a river is designated Wild and Scenic, that designation protects the river from being dammed or polluted. It generally promotes the use of trails, watersheds, and recreational activities through the municipalities, boroughs, and cities that border that river.

Holland Township Environmental Commission members represent our town on river councils responsible for overseeing each river. The river councils are made up of representatives from the towns along the rivers along with the National Park Service, NJ Department of Environmental Protection and other environmental organizations.

To find out more about the Wild and Scenic River system - https://www.rivers.gov/

Keep scrolling to learn more about the recreational and scenic opportunities these rivers offer.

LOWER DELAWARE RIVER

Picture Credit: Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic

In 2000, the Delaware River was designated Wild and Scenic. Since then, Holland Township has reaffirmed, through resolution, its desire to be a steward of the Lower Delaware River Wild and Scenic (LDWS) segment that borders Holland. The Lower Delaware River section begins at Knowlton Township on the NJ side and Upper Mt Bethel on the PA side and flows sixty-four miles south to Hopewell Township in NJ and Upper Makefield Township in PA.

Holland Township is proud to be a member of the LDWS Management Council and supports the Council’s efforts to maintain the Wild and Scenic designation. We focus our efforts on maintaining water quality, protecting natural and historic resources, promoting recreation and economic development, and preserving open space. Our most recent activity was obtaining a grant from the LDWS Management Council to install benches and signage about the history of the O’sakame Preserve that borders the Delaware River. In addition, QR codes were utilized to enable visitors to download the trail map and, if needed, a translation for non-English speaking visitors.

Lower Delaware River Wild and Scenic - https://www.lowerdelawarewildandscenic.org/

MUSCONETCONG RIVER

 
Picture Credit: Musconetcong Watershed Association

The Musconetcong River receives the highest allocation of trout stocked by NJ Fish and Game. Holland Township, and directly across the river, Pohatcong Township, has numerous locations to park and fish.

In the past decade, two lower Musconetcong dams were removed. The first was in the Finesville area. The next was just downstream of Warren Glen, also known as the Hughesville Dam. The dam removals opened the river for migratory fish such as shad and striped bass to swim upstream from the Delaware River.

Kayaking and canoeing are also popular along the lower Musconetcong starting below the Route 519 bridge. This avoids the Warren Glen Dam. While there are no longer any dams to contend with, trees and debris from flooding can create obstructions. If unfamiliar with the river, care must be taken to avoid any obstructions along the way.

The Musconetcong River Watershed Association (MWA) is a non-profit group that plays a critical role in monitoring water quality and protecting resources. The MWA conducts insect sampling in Holland. There are many volunteer opportunities. Holland residents have been helping for many years.

Musconetcong River Watershed Association - https://www.musconetcong.org/